Zinc additive

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williaml

williaml

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Just had my engine re-built and ready to install the engine company told me I have to add a zinc additive for the cam otherwise I could damage the engine? Which is best?

Thanks always
 
I use the brand NAPA sells, don't remember what it is though.

And yes you should run the zinc or an equivalent oil. I "think" it's Valvoline that makes an oil that states it's not to be used for street use, it has the zinc.
 
I used Lucas something ~2 pts. I recall it is called "break-in oil" or such. Comes in a plastic bottle w/ long snout.
 
Look for oil with an SL and earlier rating (but not as far-back as SB ! ha ha ha ) , or SM so long as it's got ZDDP in it .

I use Valvoline 4-Stroke motorcycle Oli as it's got ZDDP in it already ; alternately , "Racing" oils are acceptable ( Valvoline , again , but mostly all you'll find in stock are 30w , et seq.) ; and even the fledgling synthetics have specific "break-in" oils (Royal Purple , for instance) ; or , in the case of Mobil1 , their 15w50 has the most ZDDP versus other common brands .

The API ( American Petroleum Institute ) , via pressure from the auto manufactures once 100,000 warrentees hit in 2006 , removed ZDDP from motor oils . The shitty part is that they failed to change the rating (to something like "SP") !!
 
Napa sells Valvoline not street legal with the zinc added. It was $6.99 a quart. they may not have it in the store buy they have it at their warehouses.
 
Been using the Lucas stuff. Ignore the directions that say to use a full bottle. I think SlantsixDan on here did the math, and it only takes a few spoonfuls to equal the Zinc levels of the old oils. I have also been running 15-40 Diesel oil, as it has a higher Zinc level, is normally cheaper, and 2 of the gallon jugs fits nicely in my 8 qt. pan.
 
I would recommend not using both a Zinc additive and one of the high zinc oils. I have read some studies that indicate too much zinc / phosphorus (excess of 1600 ppm) can cause problems. Might not be one of those things where if a little is good a lot has to be better. I would run a break in oil that has the high zinc for the first few hundred miles on your new build and then run the high zinc oil after that (at least 12-1300ppm). The break in oil is usually petroleum oil while the high zinc muscle car oils come in both petro and synthetic - and a mix.
 
Valvoline VR1 oil contains ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate) = Zinc and Phosphorus) ie anti wear properties we need in our oils. AMSOIL and some others.
 
"Not Legal For Street Use" , is emblazened across the labels as ZDDP , after absolutely YEARS , ruins catalytic converters .

I've got a BETTER Idea : get rid of catalytic converters ! Such an archaic piece of emissions equipment ...
 
look for quaker state "defy" oil.. has extra zinc in it but probly not the same as a atitive

what i use n so far my motor hasnt blown up so must be doing something
 
These guys have been around for 35+ years so must be doing something right . I haven't reassembled and ran mine with it yet so can't give 100% feedback. http://schneidercams.com/engineadditives.aspx
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